Impact resistant multipane window

ABSTRACT

An insulating multipane impact resistant window is disclosed that includes at least two panes and a sash, wherein the panes comprise a first pane and a second pane each of which is opposite and parallel to and spaced apart from the other and having a durable transparent polymer film adhered to and covering a surface of the pane that is facing the other pane, wherein the panes are spaced apart by and sealed to a spacer that is integral with the sash.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to multipane insulating windows, and moreparticularly to multipane insulating windows that are impact resistant.

(2) Description of the Related Art

Windows and glass panes in doors, panels and the like are a major sourceof unwanted heat loss and gain in a structure. With increased cost offuel and energy, the moderation of unwanted energy losses on account ofthese structures has become of increasing importance.

A common method of reducing heat transfer through windows has beenthrough the use of double glazed, and even triple glazed windows. Doubleglazed windows make use of two panes of glass that are attached togetherby a spacer, such as illustrated in FIG. 2, and shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.2,756,467, 3,128,509, 3,212,179 and 3,932,971, among others, to providetwo panes separated by an enclosed gas space. In some instances, thespace between the two panes is hermetically sealed and can be filledwith dry air, or with a dry inert gas such as argon or nitrogen.

Although double glazing successfully reduces the energy transfer througha window, the use of two panes of glass substantially increases theweight of the window. Increased weight in windows is normally unwantedbecause of the need for heavier frames and sashes, heavier mountinghardware, and more rigid sash materials. Moreover, construction ofdouble glazed windows is more complex than normal window construction,because the double glazed pane unit is constructed separately from thesash unit and then the sealed double glazed pane unit is mounted intothe sash to assemble the insulated window.

An alternative to the normal method of assembling a double glazed windowmakes use of a sash unit that has the spacer for the glazing panesformed integrally with the sash. This innovation avoids the separateconstruction of the sealed double glazed pane unit, because the panesare simply mounted into a sash that has been formed from sash elementsthat include the integral spacer. This type of construction isillustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,286,288, 6,563,182, 6,662,523,6,679,013, 6,823,643, 6,928,776, and 6,974,518, and in U.S. PatentApplication Publication Nos. 2005/0132662 A1 and 2006/0218875 A1.

During the past several years, it has also become important to providewindows that are impact resistant. Many building codes, especially inareas that are at risk for hurricanes and major storms, now requireimpact resistant windows. In addition, blast resistance and shatterresistance has come to be important for windows in selected locations. Aconventional method for the provision of impact and shatter resistancefor windows has been the construction of safety glass, such asillustrated in FIG. 1 and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,823,060, amongothers. In this method of construction, a layer of durable transparentpolymer, such as a polyurethane is inserted between and adhered to twopanes of glass to make a layered structure having glass on the outsideand the polymer on the inside. When the window absorbs a blow that ispowerful enough to break the glass, the presence of the durable polymerprevents pieces of glass from detaching from the pane and flying in thedirection of travel of the blow. Aspects of this type of constructionare also described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,620,905, 3,764,457, 3,931,113,and in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0008797 A1.

Although the method described above has proven very useful for themanufacture of safety glass, the products are unavoidably heavier thannormal glass due to the inclusion of two glass panes. Also, theconstruction of the glass requires the step of forming theglass/polymer/glass laminate, which demands careful controls and veryclean glass surfaces.

In many circumstances, it would be useful to have an insulating windowthat is also impact resistant. Various alternatives have been used toachieve this combination and the conventional method has been to build aconventional double glazed window unit in which one of the panes issafety glass such as illustrated in FIG. 3. A variation of this is shownin U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0126091. However, due to the use ofthree separate panes of glass, this type of construction results in avery heavy window that requires a number of fabrication steps andrequires careful controls during manufacture.

An alternative to the use of three glass panes is shown in U.S. Pat. No.6,546,692 to Duncan et al., which describes the formation of a normaldouble glazed window pane unit except that the interior surface of eachof the two panes is coated with a film of a transparent durable polymersuch as polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, or other likematerial. The two panes, each having a film coating, are then assembledinto a double glazed unit by sealing each pane to a spacer. The doubleglazing unit can then be mounted into a sash to provide an impactresistant double glazed window. While this type of window avoids the useof three panes of glass, assembly still requires separate constructionof the sash and the double glazing unit.

Although significant progress recently has been made in the developmentof windows and panes in doors and panels that are insulating and impactresistant, it would be useful to provide an insulating multipane windowthat is impact resistant which is also easy and less expensive tomanufacture and lighter than conventional impact resistant insulatingmultipane windows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, therefore the present invention is directed to a novelinsulating multipane impact resistant window comprising: at least twopanes and a sash, wherein the at least two panes comprise: a first paneand a second pane each of which is opposite and parallel to and spacedapart from the other and having a durable transparent polymer filmadhered to and covering a surface of the pane that is facing the otherpane, wherein the panes are spaced apart by and sealed to a spacer thatis integral with the sash.

The present invention is also directed to a novel double-glazed impactresistant window comprising: two glass panes and a sash formed frompolymer extrusions having an integral spacer, wherein the two glasspanes comprise: a first and a second glass pane each of which isopposite and parallel to and spaced apart from the other and having adurable transparent laminated polyester film from about 12 mil to about15 mil thickness adhered to and covering a surface of the pane that isfacing the other pane, wherein the panes are spaced apart by and sealedwith glazing tape to a spacer that is integral with the sash; andwherein the first pane and the second pane are further retained in thesash by snap-in glazing beads.

The present invention is also directed to a novel method of making adouble glazed impact resistant window, the method comprising: a) forminga window sash that delineates a mounting space for mounting a first paneand a second pane opposite and parallel to and spaced apart from eachother, the sash having an integral spacer that forms a sealing surfaceof the mounting space for each pane; b) adhering a durable transparentpolymer film to a surface of the first pane; c) conforming the pane tothe size and shape of the mounting space; d) mounting the first pane inthe mounting space with the film-covered surface of the pane facing thesealing surface of the integral spacer; e) repeating steps b) through d)for the second pane.

Among the several advantages found to be achieved by the presentinvention, therefore, may be noted the provision of an impact resistantmultipane insulating window, the provision of such a window that is easyto fabricate and requires less labor during fabrication thanconventional impact resistant double glazed windows, and the provisionof such a window that is lighter in weight and has a lower widthrequirement than conventional impact resistant double glazed windows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a partial cross-section of an impactresistant window of the prior art showing panes (101 and 103) separatedby an internal durable transparent polymer film (110);

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cross-section of a multipane insulatingwindow of the prior art showing panes (101 and 102) attached together bya spacer (220) to provide a gas space (201) between the two panes;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cross-section of an impact resistantmultipane insulating window of the prior art showing a combination ofthe structures shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, but in which the center pane(101′) acts both as one side of a multipane insulating window and oneside of an impact resistant window;

FIG. 4 shows a particle cross-section of another embodiment of an impactresistant multipane insulating window of the prior art that is similarto the structure shown in FIG. 2, except that durable transparentpolymer films (111 and 112) are adhered to the surface of the panes thatis sealed to the spacer (220);

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial cross-section view of an embodiment of animpact resistant multipane insulating window of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial cross-section view of another embodiment ofan impact resistant multipane insulating window of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 shows (A) a front view, (B) a side view, and (C) a perspectiveview of an embodiment of an impact resistant multipane window of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 8 shows a partial cross-section of an embodiment of an impactresistant multipane window of the present invention wherein the sash isa polymer extrusion having a metal stiffener and wherein the panes aresealed to the sealing surfaces of the integral spacer with glazing tape;optional snap-in glazing beads are omitted in this figure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that anovel double glazed impact resistant window can be produced by forming awindow sash that delineates a mounting space for mounting a first paneand a second pane opposite and parallel to and spaced apart from eachother, where the sash is formed from sash elements having an integralspacer that forms a sealing surface of the mounting space for each pane.The panes for the window can be provided either with a coating of adurable transparent polymer film on one side, or they can be formed byadhering a durable transparent polymer film to a surface of the panes.The film can be applied to the panes either before or after they areconformed to the size required for the mounting space. The first pane isthen mounted in the mounting space with the film-covered surface of thepane facing the sealing surface of the integral spacer, and the secondpane, also with a film covering, is then mounted in the mounting spaceto form a double glazed impact resistant window.

The present invention also includes an insulating multipane impactresistant window that comprises at least two panes and a sash, whereinthe at least two panes comprise a first pane and a second pane each ofwhich is opposite and parallel to and spaced apart from the other andhaving a durable transparent polymer film adhered to and covering asurface of the pane that is facing the other pane, wherein the panes arespaced apart by and sealed to a spacer that is integral with the sash.

In an embodiment of the invention, the sash can be formed from extrudedPVC members having a spacer formed integrally with the body of themember. The parts of the sash, commonly the top and bottom rails and theleft and right stiles, can then be cut and assembled from the PVCextrusion to form one or more mounting spaces for panes. Each mountingspace is formed so that the integral spacer on each part of the sashsurrounding the mounting space forms a part of the mounting space andprovides mounting surfaces for each pane. Panes can be coated with thedurable transparent polymer film anytime prior to assembly, and assemblycan be completed by attaching double-sided glazing tape to the mountingsurfaces and sealing the panes to the glazing tape. Snap-in glazingbeads can be installed if desirable.

This assembly method is rapid, demands less labor than required fornormal insulated double glazed windows, and provides a high qualityproduct that is energy efficient and easy to install. Furthermore, whena polymer extrusion is used for the sash construction, the resultingwindow requires very little maintenance and is very resistant toenvironmental damage.

As used herein, the term “window” means a sash with one or moretransparent or translucent glazing panes that can be used to cover anyopening in a structure. Commonly, a window is installed in a windowframe. The term window includes all windows, such as double-hungwindows, bay windows, bow windows, casement windows, fixed windows, andthe like; door panels having transparent or translucent glazing; wallpanels having transparent or translucent glazing; and similarstructures.

As used herein, the term “sash” means the framework that holds theglazing in a window.

As used herein, the terms “mounting space” mean the space in a sash intowhich a glazing pane is to be mounted. Commonly the mounting space isdelineated by the parts, or elements, of the sash, which are cut to theproper size that when attached together form a mounting space ofapproximately the same shape and slightly larger size than the glazingpane that is to be mounted therein. The mounting space can be of anyshape and size, including round, oval, oblong, rectangular, square,triangular, pie-shaped, or of any other shape. Commonly, the mountingspace is square, rectangular, or round.

As used herein, the terms “sealing surface” mean that surface of theintegral spacer of a sash against which the glazing pane is mounted. Thesealing surface is commonly a flat surface of the spacer that isparallel to the plane of the glazing pane.

As used herein, the terms “integral spacer” mean a part of the sash thatextends into the mounting space and which provides at least two sealingsurfaces for mounting glazing panes opposite to and parallel to eachother and spaced apart by a distance that is determined by the width ofthe integral spacer. The integral spacer is formed as an integral pieceof the sash. When viewed in cross-section, the integral spacer cancomprise one or more individual projections from the body of the sashand can be in two or more parts, can be hollow, partially hollow, orhave a cross-section appropriate for production by extrusion, but ineach case, the spacer is an integral part of the sash. When it is saidthat the integral spacer is an “integral part” of the sash, it is meantthat the integral spacer is formed at the same time as and as a portionof the sash, such as during extrusion, and is not attached to the sashafter formation of the sash elements.

Various embodiments of the present novel insulating multipane impactresistant window will now be described with reference to the figures.

FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 show partial cross-sectional views ofembodiments of a double glazed impact resistant window of the presentinvention in which the sash (301) has an integral spacer (310)projecting therefrom. The integral spacer (310) provides a first sealingsurface (311) and a second sealing surface (312), for mounting glazingpanes opposite to and parallel to each other and spaced apart by adistance that is determined by the width of the integral spacer. Theglazing panes comprise a first glazing pane (101) and a second glazingpane (102), each having a durable transparent polymer film (111 and 112)attached to the surface of the pane that faces the other pane. Eachembodiment shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show glazing beads (501, 502) thatoptionally can be used to further seal the glazing panes onto the sash.In FIG. 8, the optional glazing beads are omitted. The optional glazingbeads (501 and 502) can be pre-formed plastic snap-in type glazingbeads, particularly when the sash (301) is an extruded member as shownin FIG. 8, or they can be formed from a silicone, butyl, or othersealant material, or both a snap-in glazing bead and a polymeric-typesealant can be used if desirable to form a hermetic seal for theenclosed space (201) and/or to more securely seal the pane into thesash. The first pane (101) and the second pane (102) are attached to thesealing surfaces (311 and 312) of the integral spacer (310) by a firstsealant (401) and a second sealant (402), or, as shown in FIG. 6, by asealant (403) that is unitary: enclosing the spacer and forming sealingsurfaces for both panes.

FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 show an enclosed space (201) that is boundedby the spacer that is integral with the sash, the first pane, and thesecond pane. In some embodiments, the enclosed space can be hermeticallysealed from the surrounding atmosphere, and if desired, it can be filledwith a gas, such as dry air, or with an inert gas such as argon ornitrogen. In some embodiments, it is useful to provide a desiccant, suchas sodium silicate, for example, (not shown in the figures) that is incommunication with the enclosed space and is useful to absorb anymoisture that may enter the enclosed space in order to avoid or reducecondensation.

The glazing panes that are useful in the present invention can eachseparately comprise a material selected from the group consisting ofglass, fiberglass and plastic. If plastic is used, it can be apolycarbonate, a polyurethane, lexan, Plexiglas, or the like. In someembodiments, it is preferred that the first pane and the second paneeach comprise glass. The glass can be annealed glass, tempered glass, oruntempered glass. Due to reduced cost, in some embodiments untemperedglass is preferred for the glazing panes.

FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 each show the first pane (101) and the secondpane (102) each having a durable transparent polymer film (111 and 112,respectively) attached to the surface of the pane that faces the otherpane.

The durable transparent polymer film that is useful in the presentinvention can comprise any polymer, including polyamides, such as nylon;polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene; polyester such aspolyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and polybutyleneterephthalate; polyacetal; polycarbonate; copolyesters such aspolyethylene terephthalate isophthalate; and the like.

It is preferred that the durable transparent polymer film is at leasttranslucent to visible light and is preferred to be transparent. Inparticular, it is preferred that the polymer film have a percenttransmission of visible light of at least about 30%, at least about 40%is more preferred, at least about 50% is yet more preferred, at leastabout 60% is even more preferred, at least about 70% is yet morepreferred, at least about 80% is even more preferred, and a visiblelight transmission of at least about 82% is yet more preferred.

The polymer film should also be durable. When it is said that thepolymer film is durable, it is meant that the polymer is one that has atensile strength of at least about 15,000 psi, at least about 20,000 psiis more preferred, at least about 25,000 psi is even more preferred, andat least about 30,000 psi is yet more preferred.

It is also preferred that the polymer film is one that has a breakstrength of at least about 50 lbs/in, and at least about 100 lbs/in iseven more preferred, at least about 150 lbs/in is yet more preferred,and at least about 200 lbs/in is even more preferred.

The polymer film can be single thickness, or it can be laminated.Laminated films of this type are described, for example, in U.S. Pat.No. 6,951,595. Films suitable for the present invention are availablecommercially from Madico, Inc., Woburn, Mass.; 3M, Minneapolis, Minn.,and Mitsubishi Polyester Film, LLC, among others.

The durable transparent polymer film of the present invention normallyhas a uniform thickness, which can be any thickness that is sufficientto provide the features required. Films that are useful in the presentinvention normally have a thickness within a range of about 0.25 mil toabout 50 mil. A thickness from about 5 mil to about 30 mil is preferred,a thickness of from about 10 mil to about 20 mil is more preferred, anda thickness of about 12 mil to about 15 mil is even more preferred.

It is useful for the durable transparent polymer film to be suppliedwith, or to be prepared to have, a pressure sensitive adhesive on oneside that is suitable for adhering the film to the pane. In particular,it is useful for the film to have a pressure sensitive adhesive suitablefor forming a tight bond with a clean glass surface.

The present polymer film can be provided with a hard coat, such as isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,101,616, for example, or without such ahard coat. In fact, an advantage of the present invention is that bylocating the durable polymer film on the protected interior surfaces ofthe panes, in other words, on the surface of each pane that faces theother pane and that seals against the integral spacer of the sash, thefree surface of each film is protected from any touch and retains itsclear, unmarred visual qualities without the expense of applying a hardcoat.

In the present window, the first pane (101) and the second pane (102)are spaced apart by a certain distance. This is shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6,and FIG. 8 as being the distance (I). The distance between the panes isdetermined by the distance between the sealing surfaces (311 and 312) ofthe integral spacer (310), plus the thickness of the sealant (401 and402) that is used to adhere the panes to the integral spacer. Althoughthe panes can be spaced apart by any distance that will provide theadvantages of the invention, it is preferred that the first pane and thesecond pane are spaced apart by a distance of from about 1 mm to about20 mm, a distance of from about 6 mm to about 16 mm is more preferred,and a distance of from about 6 mm to about 12 mm is even more preferred.

In the present window, the sash can be composed of any material that isconventionally used for the construction of window sashes. In anembodiment of the present window, the sash comprises a material that isselected from one or more of the group consisting of wood, metal andplastic.

It has been found to be particularly useful for the sash to be formedfrom polymer extrusions. This type of sash construction is known in theart and an example is shown in FIG. 8. Examples of extruded sashmaterial are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,622,017 and 6,286,288, amongothers. Various types of extruded window and door sash material isavailable from Chelsea Building Products, Oakmont, Pa., and othermanufacturers.

Extruded sashes can be produced from any polymer, copolymer, or polymerblend that is suitable to provide the advantages of the invention. Thepolymer can be filled or unfilled. Examples of materials that aresuitable for the production of polymer sash extrusions include polyvinylchloride, polycarbonate, polyvinyl, and Extrudable Thermal Plasticsavailable from Geon division of the B. F. Goodrich Co., as well as thematerials described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,430,478 and 5,783,620, amongothers.

When the sash material is a polymer extrusion, it is optional to includea metal stiffener (601) as shown in FIG. 8. Such stiffeners aresometimes used when a long sash length is required, or whenexceptionally heavy glass must be supported. One or more metalstiffeners can be used in a window sash.

FIG. 8 illustrates the use of an extruded sash (301) in the presentinvention, and shows the inclusion of an optional metal stiffener (601).The extruded sash (301) includes an integral spacer (310) having twosealing surfaces against which the first pane (101) and the second pane(102) are sealed. The distance between the sealing surface for the firstpane and the sealing surface for the second pane determines the distanceby which the first pane and the second pane are spaced apart. The paneseach have a durable transparent polymer film (111 and 112) adhered tothe surface of the pane that faces the other pane. Snap-in glazing beadsare optionally useful for this embodiment and could be attached intosnap-in glazing bead slots (511 and 512), such glazing beads are notshown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 indicate that the first pane (101) and thesecond pane (102) are sealed to the sealing surfaces (311 and 312) ofthe spacer (310) by the use of a sealant (401 and 402, or 403). Thesealant can be any material or device that is used to seal glazing panesto a window sash, and can be selected from glazing tape, siliconesealant, butyl sealant, or a combination of any two or more of thesetechniques. In an embodiment of the present invention, it isparticularly useful to use glazing tape as the sealant.

The use of glazing tape is well known in the art to seal panes, inparticular glass panes, into window sashes. Glazing tape is typically apolymer tape having pressure sensitive adhesive on both sides. Someglazing tapes are formed from closed cell polyolefin foam with a glassadhesive on one side and a sash/frame adhesive on the other. See, e.g.,Glazing Tape VG 100, or VG-300, available from Venture Tape, Rockland,Mass. Glazing tape suitable for use in the present application is alsoavailable from Lamatek, Inc., West Deptford, N.J., and Press-On Tape andGasket Corp., Addison, Ill.

If desired, optional glazing beads 501 and 502 can be used to finish theglazing. When the sash comprises a polymer extrusion, the glazing beadcan be snap-in glazing bead.

When the present window is assembled, the panes (102 and 103) and thespacer (310) provide an enclosed space (201) that serves as aninsulating feature of the window. In some embodiments, the enclosedspace (201) is hermetically sealed from the outside environment, and ifdesired, the gas in the enclosed space can be dry air, or can be aninert gas, such as argon or nitrogen.

In order to minimize the moisture content of the gas in the enclosedspace, a desiccant is optionally provided that is in contact with theenclosed space. The desiccant can be placed into an aperture of anextruded sash, if desired, so that it communicates with the gas in theenclosed space.

The present invention encompasses a method of making a double glazedimpact resistant window. The method comprises forming a window sash thatdelineates a mounting space for mounting a first pane and a second paneopposite and parallel to and spaced apart from each other, the sashhaving an integral spacer that forms a sealing surface of the mountingspace for each pane. The mounting space is typically formed byconstructing a frame of sash members, often pieces cut to length from along extrusion or molding, as described above, where the frame enclosesa space that is slightly larger than and approximately the same shape asthe pane that is to be mounted therein. The mounting space is bounded oneach side by the sash (301) and on the surface to which the pane is tobe mounted by the sealing surface (311 or 312) of the integral spacer(310). The mounting space is sized so that the pane (101 or 102) willfit therein without touching any side of the mounting space, but willrest on all parts of the respective sealing surface (311 or 312). Thespacing of the pane (101 or 102) from the sash (301) is shown in FIGS.5, 6 and 8, and is useful to permit differential expansion of the sashand the pane without causing contact between the pane and the sash,other than at the sealing surface (311 or 312).

At any time during the fabrication process, the durable transparentpolymer film (111) is adhered to a surface of the first pane (101) and asimilar film (102) is adhered to a surface of the second pane (102). Thefilm can be adhered to a large piece of glass, and then the panes, withfilm attached, can be cut from the larger sheet to conform to the sizeand shape of the mounting space, or alternatively, the film can beadhered to the pane after the larger sheet has been cut to conform to asuitable size.

The polymer film is commonly adhered to the panes by the use of apressure sensitive adhesive that coats one side of the film and adherestightly to the pane. When the film is obtained from a supplier, it oftenalready has the adhesive applied to one side of the film, and provides aprotective film, often silicone, over the adhesive. The protective filmcan be removed and the film can be adhered to the pane.

When the panes are glass, it is preferred that the glass is very cleanbefore the durable transparent polymer film is attached. Any smallparticle that is present on the glass when the film is applied willremain in the assembly forever, and can have a negative effect on thestrength of adherence of the film to the glass (which may negativelyaffect the impact resistance of the window) and on the visual quality ofthe window. Accordingly, it is preferred that the glass is thoroughlycleaned prior to applying the film and that the assembly of the film tothe glass be carried out in a clean atmosphere.

When film-coated panes of the proper size are prepared, the first pane(101) is mounted in the mounting space with the film-covered surface ofthe pane facing the sealing surface (311) of the integral spacer (310).This is then repeated for the second pane (102).

In some embodiments it is preferred to use glazing tape as the sealantin order to prevent or minimize the amount of “squeeze up” of thesealant into the viewing area of the mounting space. Because theenclosed space (201) is essentially sealed as soon as both panes aremounted in the sash, any sealant that is squeezed up between the paneand the sealing surface into the viewing area of the mounting spacecannot be removed. However, the use of glazing tape substantiallyprevents such squeeze up, but provides a strong and durable bond betweenthe pane and the sash. When glazing tape is used as the sealant (401 and402, or 403), the step of mounting the pane in the sash involvesadhering glazing tape to the sealing surface of the mounting space andcontacting each pane with the tape so that the film-covered surface ofthe pane is facing the tape. In some embodiments, it is useful tosupplement glazing tape with a deformable type sealant, such as asilicone sealant, in order to improve the integrity of the seal.

Glazing beads (501 and 502) can optionally be added to the window tofinish the assembly if desired.

A typical embodiment of a window of the present invention is shown inFIG. 7, where view (A) shows a front view, (B) shows a right side view,and (C) shows a perspective view of a window having sashes (301) withintegral spacers (310) that have been assembled to form a frame thatdefines a mounting space, into which panes (101 and 102) are mounted toform an impact resistant multipane window.

The impact resistant multipane windows of the present invention can bemounted and used in any application in which conventional impactresistant and/or multipane windows are used. Commonly, the novel windowscan be mounted in frames in structures such as residential or commercialbuildings to serve as strong, energy conserving windows. The novelwindows can be components of doors, panels, skylights, and any othersimilar application. Mounting and use of the present windows is similarto the methods that are well known and are used for conventional impactresistant and/or multipane windows.

Other embodiments within the scope of the claims herein will be apparentto one skilled in the art from consideration of the specification orpractice of the invention as disclosed herein. It is intended that thespecification be considered to be exemplary only, with the scope andspirit of the invention being indicated by the claims.

All references cited in this specification, including without limitationall papers, publications, patents, patent applications, presentations,texts, reports, manuscripts, brochures, books, internet postings,journal articles, periodicals, and the like, are hereby incorporated byreference into this specification in their entireties. The discussion ofthe references herein is intended merely to summarize the assertionsmade by their authors and no admission is made that any referenceconstitutes prior art. Applicants reserve the right to challenge theaccuracy and pertinency of the cited references.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several advantages of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results obtained.

As various changes could be made in the above methods and compositionsby those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scopeof the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the abovedescription and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpretedas illustrative and not in a limiting sense. In addition it should beunderstood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchangedboth in whole or in part.

1. An insulating multipane impact resistant window comprising: at leasttwo panes and a sash, wherein the at least two panes comprise: a firstpane and a second pane each of which is opposite and parallel to andspaced apart from the other and having a durable transparent polymerfilm adhered to and covering a surface of the pane that is facing theother pane, wherein the panes are spaced apart by and sealed to a spacerthat is integral with the sash.
 2. The window according to claim 1,comprising an enclosed space that is bounded by the spacer that isintegral with the sash, the first pane, and the second pane.
 3. Thewindow according to claim 1, wherein the first pane and the second paneeach comprise glass.
 4. The window according to claim 3, wherein theglass comprises untempered glass.
 5. The window according to claim 1,wherein the durable transparent polymer film comprises a laminated film.6. The window according to claim 5, wherein the laminated film has twosurfaces, at least one of which is coated with a pressure sensitiveadhesive that is adhered to one of the at least two panes.
 7. The windowaccording to claim 5, wherein the laminated film is free of a hard coat.8. The window according to claim 1, wherein the durable transparentpolymer film has a thickness of from about 10 mil to about 20 mil. 9.The window according to claim 1, wherein the durable transparent polymerfilm has a thickness of about 12 mil to about 15 mil.
 10. The windowaccording to claim 1, wherein the first pane and the second pane arespaced apart by a distance of from about 1 mm to about 20 mm.
 11. Thewindow according to claim 1, wherein the first pane and the second paneare spaced apart by a distance of from about 6 mm to about 12 mm. 12.The window according to claim 1, wherein the sash comprises polymerextrusions one or more of which optionally includes a metal stiffener.13. The window according to claim 12, wherein the sash comprises polymerextrusions each of which has an integral spacer which comprises asealing surface for the first pane and a sealing surface for the secondpane, wherein the distance between the sealing surface for the firstpane and the sealing surface for the second pane determines the distanceby which the first pane and the second pane are spaced apart.
 14. Thewindow according to claim 1, wherein the first pane and the second paneare sealed to the integral spacer by glazing tape.
 15. The windowaccording to claim 1, further comprising a glazing bead and wherein thesash comprises a polymer extrusion and the glazing bead comprises asnap-in glazing bead.
 16. The window according to claim 2, wherein theenclosed space is hermetically sealed and is in contact with adesiccant.
 17. A double-glazed impact resistant window comprising: twoglass panes and a sash formed from polymer extrusions having an integralspacer, wherein the two glass panes comprise: a first and a second glasspane each of which is opposite and parallel to and spaced apart from theother and having a durable transparent laminated polyester film fromabout 12 mil to about 15 mil thickness adhered to and covering a surfaceof the pane that is facing the other pane, wherein the panes are spacedapart by and sealed with glazing tape to a spacer that is integral withthe sash; and wherein the first pane and the second pane are furtherretained in the sash by snap-in glazing beads.
 18. The window accordingto claim 17, wherein the transparent laminated polyester film is free ofa hard coat.
 19. A method of making a double glazed impact resistantwindow, the method comprising: a) forming a window sash that delineatesa mounting space for mounting a first pane and a second pane oppositeand parallel to and spaced apart from each other, the sash having anintegral spacer that forms a sealing surface of the mounting space foreach pane; b) adhering a durable transparent polymer film to a surfaceof the first pane; c) conforming the pane to the size and shape of themounting space; d) mounting the first pane in the mounting space withthe film-covered surface of the pane facing the sealing surface of theintegral spacer; e) repeating steps b) through d) for the second pane.20. The method according to claim 19, wherein mounting comprises: a)adhering glazing tape to the sealing surface of the mounting space; andb) contacting each pane with the tape so that the film-covered surfaceof the pane is facing the tape.
 21. The method according to claim 19,further comprising installing a glazing bead around each of the firstpane and the second pane.
 22. The method according to claim 19, furthercomprising cleaning the pane immediately before adhering the durabletransparent plastic film to the surface of the pane.
 23. The methodaccording to claim 19, wherein the first pane, the second pane and thesash comprise an enclosed space.
 24. The method according to claim 19,wherein the first pane and the second pane each comprise glass.
 25. Themethod according to claim 19, wherein the durable transparent polymerfilm comprises a film having three layers of a polyester laminatedtogether by an adhesive.
 26. The method according to claim 19, whereinthe durable transparent polymer film is free of a hard coat.
 27. Themethod according to claim 19, wherein the first pane and the second paneare spaced apart by a distance of from about 6 mm to about 12 mm. 28.The method according to claim 19, wherein the step of forming a windowsash comprises attaching sash elements to each other to form a framethat delineates a mounting space for mounting a first pane and a secondpane opposite and parallel to and spaced apart from each other, whereineach part of the sash frame has an integral spacer that together withthe integral spacer of other parts of the sash frame forms a sealingsurface of the mounting space for each pane; and wherein the sashcomprises a material that is selected from one or more of the groupconsisting of wood, metal and plastic.
 29. The method according to claim28, wherein the step of mounting the first pane in the mounting spacewith the film-covered surface of the pane facing the sealing surface ofthe integral spacer comprises adhering the pane to the sealing surfacewith a sealant.
 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein thesealant comprises glazing tape.